Workplace Rights and Protections

Employee Rights

Fundamental Protections - Protection against discrimination - Right to disconnect - Whistleblower protections - Union representation - Health and safety standards

Dismissal Protections - Cause required for termination - Formal procedure mandatory - Severance payments - Notice periods - Right to contest

Unions and Representation

Union Landscape - 5 major confederations - 8-10% membership rate - Collective bargaining important - Strike rights protected - Works councils (CSE) mandatory

Employee Representatives - Elected by staff - Consultation rights - Grievance procedures - Health and safety role - Training time allocated

Resolving Workplace Issues

Internal Procedures 1. Direct manager discussion 2. HR department involvement 3. Employee representative mediation 4. Works council intervention 5. Formal grievance process

External Resources - Inspection du Travail - Prud'hommes (labor court) - Défenseur des Droits - Lawyer specializing in labor law - Union legal services